Dick Campbell blasts ref decisions but praises side for taking point

Dick Campbell was thrilled to leave Borough Briggs with a point on Saturday as Arbroath finished the game with 10 men.

Defensive stalwart Ricky Little was sent off in controversial circumstances as the Lichties drew 0-0 with fellow League Two title hopefuls Elgin City.

The gap from leaders Forfar Athletic remains six points though as the Loons also drew their fixture.

And Campbell couldn’t believe the decision to give Little a straight red card, confirming that the club will be appealing.

Dick said: “I’m absolutely delighted to go away with a point. Jim is very angry about the decision and I’d be as angry as him. It looked to me it was a sending off, the referee says my player got the ball.

“My biggest complaint is how I’ve had a player sent off for violent conduct. He went in with a tackle, at most it’s a booking. But that’s the inconsistency that bothers me.

“I’ve told the player, if it’s violent conduct then I’ll sort him out. The referee is closer than the linesman and calls it the right way for me. Six or seven Elgin players crowd around him, he speaks to the linesman who tells him to send my player off. It’s just inconsistency.

“In terms of the game itself, we had the best three chances in the second half on breakaways. I’m happy with the draw. Even until the end of the game we had a chance to win it. Elgin are a very good side so I’m very happy to be down to 10 men and get the draw.

“We’ll definitely appeal Ricky’s red card. The referee had a good game I thought but we’ve got a couple of complaints.”

This weekend sees Arbroath welcome Clyde to Gayfield.

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